Behaviourism History and Therapy

Behaviourism became a major force in psychology in the first part of the 20th century. It developed simultaneously in America and Russia.

Pavlov (1903) published his study with his salivating dogs.
Watson (1913) launches behavioural school of psychology (classical conditioning).
Watson & Rayner condition an orphan called Albert B to fear a white rat.
Thorndyke formalised the ‘Law of Effect’.
Skinner (1936) introduced the concepts of ‘operant conditioning’ and ‘shaping’.
Clarke Hull’s (1943) ‘Principles of Behaviour’ were published.
Skinner (1948) published ‘Walden II’ in which he described a utopian society founded upon behaviourist principles.
Bandura (1963) published ‘Social Learning Theory’ which combines both cognitive and behavioural frameworks.
Skinner (1971) published ‘Beyond Freedom and Dignity’ where he argues that free will is an illusion.

Behaviour therapy.
Is used to treat Depression, Anxiety disorders and phobias as well as any other psychopathology. It is based on the theories of 'classical' and 'operant' conditioning.
Behaviour therapy bases its core interventions on functional analysis. The therapy has been shown to be able to 'functionally analyse';

a) intimacy problems with couples
b) forgiveness with couples
c) chronic pain
d) anorexia
e) distress
f) substance abuse
g) depression
h) anxiety
i) obesity